Proverbs 26:2

A flying bird does not pause. It continues to fly. Otherwise, it would fall. An insult is like the bird, because an insult continues to cause trouble. Perhaps the insult was only one word. Perhaps you spoke that word many months ago. But the insult upset your friend. And he is still unhappy.

You ought to go to your friend. Ask him to forgive you. Otherwise, your stupid insult will continue to cause trouble.

v3 Whip the horse!

Control the animal!

Punish the fool!

v4 Do not answer a fool with foolish words!

You will become like him.

v5 Answer a fool with foolish words!

Otherwise, he will think that he is wise.

v6 Someone might cut off his own feet.

Or he might cause himself an injury.

Another person might send a fool with a message.

v7 If a man cannot walk, his legs hang down.

The man has legs, but they do not help him.

And when a fool speaks a proverb (wise words), these words do not help the fool.

v8 Someone might tie up a stone in cloth.

(Then, he cannot attack when he needs to throw the stone.)

Another person might give an honour to a fool.

v9 A drunk carries a thorn bush.

(A thorn bush is a weed with sharp points, which will cause the drunk to bleed.)

And when a fool speaks a proverb (wise words), these words cause pain.

v10 One man shoots arrows everywhere!

And another man employs someone that he does not know.

This man would even employ a fool.

v11 A dog returns to the place where the dog was sick.

And a fool repeats his foolish behaviour.

v12 A man thinks that he is wise.

Even a fool has more hope than that man!

These verses all describe a fool. Solomon uses the word ‘fool’ to describe someone who hates wisdom.